Medina Mayrit: The Origins of Madrid

Ana Ruiz visits the monuments, architecture and archeological remains of early Madrid, tracing its evolution up until the Christian conquest in the late 11th century. This history gives special emphasis to Madrids Moorish origins, while savoring the piquant blend of Celtiberian, Roman and Visigoth elements that give it such a distinctive style. Now the capital of Spain, Madrid was originally founded as a modest fortress intended to protect nearby Toledo. It had just a small military population during the 9th and 10th centuries, as well as the Morería of the early Christian era, yet it evolved into an influential cultural center. The author highlights colorful personalities and shows how, throughout al-Andalus or Moorish Spain, Mayrit was a leader in pottery techniques, agricultural methods and hydraulic engineering. Amply illustrated, the book is a virtual portrait of the city and a virtual walking tour, offering specific information for those who wish to stroll the streets and visit archaeological, architectural and geographical sites that have been preserved. The author closes with etymological theories relating to terms and place-names appearing throughout the book, and provides historical and geographical background.

حول المؤلف (2012)

Andrea Chapdelaine received her B.A. in psychology and justice studies from the University of New Hampshire and her Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Connecticut. Now at Albright College, she is acting vice president of academic affairs and an associate professor in psychology. Previous articles on service-learning pedagogy have appeared in "Teaching of Psychology and CUR Quarterly,"

Ana Ruiz is an associate professor at Alvernia College. She earned a bachelor's degree at Catholic University of Pernambuco while growing up in Brazil. She completed her master's degree in cognitive development at Federal University of Pernambuco and obtained a doctoral degree in developmental psychology from Cornell University. She has used service-learning mostly in undergraduate research courses or outcome evaluations programs. In June 2003 she received a Campus Compact grant to identify the effect of service-learning experience on alumni employment choices in community engagement. She has also participated in several conferences discussing service-learning issues in general and the ethics of service-learning in particular.

Judith Warchal earned her B.A. in elementary/special education from King's College, her M.S. in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Scranton, and her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Lehigh University. She is an associate professor of psychology and coordinator of the Master of Arts in Community Counseling at Alvernia College. She is a licensed psychologist with a clinical practice at the Center for Mental Health at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center. Her research interests include service-learning, program evaluation, and mental healthissues of the elderly.

Carole Wells is an associate professor of psychology and interim assistant dean at Kutztown University, She developed an interest in psychology while an undergraduate at LaSalle University. She received her Ph.D. in social psychology and human resource management from Temple University. In addition to service-learning as pedagogy, her research focuses on trust, strategies of influence, and leadership in organizations; post-retirement activities of leaders and nonleaders; and conflict and conflict resolution.